10 Days Tamil Nadu Temple Tour

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps exploring the immediate surroundings or simply relaxing after your journey. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Pondicherry. En route, visit Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring remarkable rock-cut shore temples from the 7th century. Explore the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance (a massive rock relief), and the Five Rathas (monolithic temple structures). Continue to Pondicherry, arriving by evening. Check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, embark on a tour of Pondicherry, the former French colony that still retains its European charm. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by the philosopher Sri Aurobindo. Explore the French Quarter with its colonial buildings, boutiques, and cafés. Stroll along the picturesque promenade facing the Bay of Bengal. Enjoy an evening at leisure to soak in the unique atmosphere of this coastal town. Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore (also known as Thanjavur), the ancient capital of the Chola dynasty. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage monument built in the 11th century. Marvel at its 66-meter tall vimana (tower) and the enormous Nandi statue carved from a single stone. In the evening, explore the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Chola bronzes. Overnight in Tanjore.

Following breakfast, journey to Madurai, one of South India’s oldest cities. After checking in to your hotel, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a vast complex featuring 14 gateway towers (gopurams) covered with thousands of colorful sculptures. Later, explore the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, an Indo-Saracenic building constructed in 1636. In the evening, witness the captivating night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, where the deity is carried to Shiva’s chamber with music and rituals. Overnight in Madurai.

After breakfast, drive to Periyar in Kerala’s Western Ghats. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Periyar Lake within the wildlife sanctuary, offering opportunities to spot elephants, sambar deer, and numerous bird species. Later, visit a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, cloves, and other spices that have made Kerala famous for centuries. Overnight in Periyar.

Following breakfast, travel to Alleppey, known as the “Venice of the East” for its network of backwater canals. Upon arrival, board a traditional Kerala houseboat (kettuvallam) for an overnight cruise. Glide along serene backwaters, observing rural Kerala life along the shores—farmers working in emerald paddy fields, women washing clothes, and children playing. Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine on board as you watch the sunset over the peaceful waters. Overnight on the houseboat.

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Kovalam, a beach paradise on the Arabian Sea. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on the crescent-shaped beaches or enjoying Ayurvedic treatments, for which Kerala is renowned. The evening is free to explore the beachfront with its seafood restaurants and shops. Overnight in Kovalam.

Following breakfast, embark on a day trip to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet. Visit the Kumari Amman Temple, dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari, and view the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, situated on a small island offshore. If time permits, visit the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue honoring the Tamil poet-saint. Return to Kovalam for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport (16 km) for your departure flight, carrying memories of your South Indian journey.